Nintendo's next-generation computer games to fight against ageing and obesity

By SEAN POULTER

Last updated at 15:07 30 October 2007

A next generation of computer games will fight ageing and obesity rather than fuel a couch potato lifestyle.

Living rooms are to be transformed into a fitness centre with children, parents and pensioners able to run against virtual competitors, practise Yoga poses and improve muscle tone.

New software systems linked to a camera will also allow people to fight the ageing process by carrying out facial exercises, while users will be able to improve their sight to match a rugby star or footballer.

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Computer systems giant Nintendo yesterday unveiled the latest products designed to move the perception of computer games from sad teenagers playing racing or shooting games in their bedrooms.

New hardware and software is being launched to work with the company's handheld DS console and its revolutionary Wii machine, that plugs into the family television.

The most remarkable of the new systems consists of a platform - a Wii Balance Board - that connects to the Wii console.

It will allow all the members of the family to weigh themselves and get a Body Mass Index rating to establish whether they are overweight.

Each individual can then take part in a series of up to 40 different exercises, including jogging, striking yoga poses, learning to head a football.

Training falls into four different categories, a series of 10 minute aerobic exercises designed to get the heart pumping, muscle conditioning, Yoga poses and balance games.

Depending on performance, the board will produce a 'Fit Age', which people will be able to bring down with daily sessions.

The system offers conditioning and training for the body in the same way its hugely successful 'Brain Training' software has helped people of all ages improve their mental sharpness.

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Nintendo's Wie Play game,introduced a year ago, allowed uses to take part in games of virtual tennis, baseball, golf and bowling.

It has been the number one seller in the UK in the past year.

The company's UK marketing director, Dawn Paine, said: "We now want to turn the living room into a fitness centre for the whole family.